Course descriptor, Year 9 science course, Terms 1 to 4, 2010
Year 9 science: Term 1 ‘understanding atoms’ develops an understanding of the chemical world in terms of atoms, elements, isotopes, sub-atomic particles, chemical reactions and different bonding between atoms to form metals, salts and molecules. The periodic table is introduced and major trends discussed. The first 20 elements are specifically covered, also their symbols, properties and common ions. Scientific evidence and experiments to support atomic theories and models are examined. The science talent search is introduced and students assessed on their project as part of the course into term 2.
Term 2 ‘Light effects and communication’ develops awareness of the physics of light, reflection, lenses, focusing images, the eye, colour, sources of light such as light globes and fluoro tubes. Modern fibre optic communication is included, as also an introduction to the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that includes light, heat, UV-light, radio waves, microwaves, X-rays. Forms of communication such as TV and AM/FM radio are discussed, as also digital technologies.
Term 3 ‘Environmental systems’ and ‘Under control’ develops awareness of biology through exploration of photosynthesis and respiration, greenhouse gasses global warming and how we can care for the environment better; energy flow through eco-systems. Students then think about individual organisms, nerves and reflex actions, senses, the brain, chemical messengers in plants and animals.
Term 4 ‘Forensic files’ and ‘thinking scientifically’ looks at how science can be used to solve crimes by making observations, recording results, ethics, case studies, using a microscope, thinking analytically, prints and casts, DNA and blood, using chromatography. Students may also undertake a project to construct a model working vehicle over a period of weeks.
Assessment tasks:
AT1 Quality and quantity of experimental reports
AT2 Performance in end of semester summative exam
AT3 Quality and quantity of written reports
AT4 Intra-semester tests and mini-tests
AT5 Maintenance of complete, organised and informative workbook
AT6 Completion of worksheets, homework, revision
AL1 Behaviour
AL2 Classwork
AL3 Homework
*
Course Curriculum
Timeline and Weekly Content
Week/ Lesson
Content Topics and Subtopics
Activities/Tasks (including Literacy Strategies)
Homework/ Assessment Tasks
Resources
1/1 (double)
1 /2
1/3
Evidence for the Electrical Atom Static Electricity
Rutherford’s Experiment
Atomic Structure
Sticking balloons to the wall. Evidence for the Electrical Atom Prac (p.21) – use torn up pieces of paper if no polystyrene balls available.
Simplified version of Researching like Rutherford Prac (p.22) – use heatproof mats and marbles. See Maggie for a demo.
So what’s in an atom (p.27)
Lab Report (p.21)
Rutherford Experiment worksheet
Atomic Structure worksheet
Balloons, polythene rods, woollen cloths, retort stand and clamp, aluminium foil polystyrene ball, sink
Research information about each element using**www.chemicalelements.com**and page 36 to complete the cut out cards. Use the cards to sort the elements in different ways, e.g. year of discovery, colour, boiling point. Students decide which is the best way to sort them.
Colour code the periodic table according to group and classification
Learning the elements and the symbols – bingo, dominoes, snap, etc.
This research task can be set as homework.
Name That Element (p.33)
Questions 2.3 (p.37)
The First 20 Elements Cut-Outs, internet access
A copy of the periodic table of elements
4/1 (double)
4/2
4/3
Physical Properties of elements in the periodic table
Fireworks (can be skipped if short on time)
Patterns in the Periodic Table - Drawing Graphs
Flame Colours Prac (p.40)
Complete the investigation task on p.44 Some students will need a lot of guidance with drawing graphs!
Course descriptor, Year 9 science course, Terms 1 to 4, 2010
Year 9 science:
Term 1 ‘understanding atoms’ develops an understanding of the chemical world in terms of atoms, elements, isotopes, sub-atomic particles, chemical reactions and different bonding between atoms to form metals, salts and molecules. The periodic table is introduced and major trends discussed. The first 20 elements are specifically covered, also their symbols, properties and common ions. Scientific evidence and experiments to support atomic theories and models are examined.
The science talent search is introduced and students assessed on their project as part of the course into term 2.
Term 2 ‘Light effects and communication’ develops awareness of the physics of light, reflection, lenses, focusing images, the eye, colour, sources of light such as light globes and fluoro tubes. Modern fibre optic communication is included, as also an introduction to the electromagnetic radiation spectrum that includes light, heat, UV-light, radio waves, microwaves, X-rays. Forms of communication such as TV and AM/FM radio are discussed, as also digital technologies.
Term 3 ‘Environmental systems’ and ‘Under control’ develops awareness of biology through exploration of photosynthesis and respiration, greenhouse gasses global warming and how we can care for the environment better; energy flow through eco-systems. Students then think about individual organisms, nerves and reflex actions, senses, the brain, chemical messengers in plants and animals.
Term 4 ‘Forensic files’ and ‘thinking scientifically’ looks at how science can be used to solve crimes by making observations, recording results, ethics, case studies, using a microscope, thinking analytically, prints and casts, DNA and blood, using chromatography. Students may also undertake a project to construct a model working vehicle over a period of weeks.
Assessment tasks:
AT1 Quality and quantity of experimental reports
AT2 Performance in end of semester summative exam
AT3 Quality and quantity of written reports
AT4 Intra-semester tests and mini-tests
AT5 Maintenance of complete, organised and informative workbook
AT6 Completion of worksheets, homework, revision
AL1 Behaviour
AL2 Classwork
AL3 Homework
*
Course Curriculum
Lesson
Topics and Subtopics
(including Literacy Strategies)
Assessment Tasks
(double)
1 /2
1/3
Static Electricity
Rutherford’s Experiment
Atomic Structure
Evidence for the Electrical Atom Prac (p.21) – use torn up pieces of paper if no polystyrene balls available.
Simplified version of Researching like Rutherford Prac (p.22) – use heatproof mats and marbles. See Maggie for a demo.
So what’s in an atom (p.27)
Rutherford Experiment worksheet
Atomic Structure worksheet
Heatproof mats, marbles, blu-tac, PPt presentation
Worksheets, Diagrams of atomic structure (PPt or printed out)
(double)
2/2
2/3
Electron Shells
Isotopes and Radioisotopes
Electron Shell diagrams (p.29)
Isotopes (p.27)
Radioisotopes (p.30-31)
Electron Shell worksheets
Complete questions (p.31)
PPt diagrams and worksheets
(double)
3/1
3/3
p.32 - 37
Use the cards to sort the elements in different ways, e.g. year of discovery, colour, boiling point. Students decide which is the best way to sort them.
Colour code the periodic table according to group and classification
Learning the elements and the symbols – bingo, dominoes, snap, etc.
Name That Element (p.33)
Questions 2.3 (p.37)
A copy of the periodic table of elements
(double)
4/2
4/3
Fireworks
(can be skipped if short on time)
Patterns in the Periodic Table
- Drawing Graphs
Complete the investigation task on p.44
Some students will need a lot of guidance with drawing graphs!
Comprehension questions (p.43)
Graph paper, rulers, pencils, sharpeners
(double)
5/2
5/3
Revision
Key Ideas and Review Questions (p.48
End of Unit Test
TEST